Marketing Communications Specialist

Summary

Job Category:
Sales and Marketing
Job Title:
Marketing Communications Specialist
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers the strategic and operational management of activities related to the design, analysis, implementation and or purchase of market research and strategy; the strategic and operational management of activities related to the conception, development, creation, editing, production, implementation and/or purchase of promotional communications, educational communications, or scholarly publications; the strategic and operational management of activities related to the development and implementation of sales strategy, new business/membership/client development, retention of clients/members, negotiation of contracts, and identification of entrepreneurial enterprises and relationship management strategies; the strategic and operational management of activities related to communicating during an emergency or crisis situation; and/or the strategic and operational management of activities related to the conception, development, creation, and dissemination of news, research and/or strategic communications; public relations initiatives; and the delivery of large-scale, public events for a diverse audience, including the news media, internal and external stakeholders, key constituents and the community-at-large.
Job Title Definition:
The Marketing Communications Specialist employs a variety of marketing, communications, and public relations strategies that may include direct mail, advertising, web, email, social media, news media, special events, and other methods; researches and translates various forms of subject matter to produce content for fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, digital signage, and other internal or external communications; participates in the planning of marketing and/or communications strategy; engages in benchmarking efforts and prepares reports to inform innovation and competitive analysis; creates, conceptualizes, edits, implements, and enhances communications and content including website, advertisements, articles, and feature stories; schedules and disseminates print and electronic communications and placement of advertising; plans, budgets, and monitors marketing expenditures; collaborates with agencies and other vendor partners on campaigns. The Marketing and Communications Specialist may function as a “generalist”, engaging in various forms and combinations of content creation, multimedia design, marketing strategy, and public relations activities. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
 

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0101 G Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Support, coordinate, and perform assigned tasks related to the implementation of marketing strategy for assigned unit
  • Collaborate in the creation of promotional communications that may include print, electronic, new media, and other collateral to implement the unit’s marketing objectives
  • Assist in presentations of creative work to clients
  • Respond to external and internal inquiries 
  • Assist with scheduling and dissemination of print and electronic communications and placement of advertising
  • Communicate with suppliers, vendors, and other University offices as necessary

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0102 H Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Create and coordinate the production of marketing and/or promotional communications that may include print, electronic, social media, new/emerging media, and other collateral that is in accordance with the unit’s approved strategic marketing plan and objectives
  • Complete assigned activities related to the implementation of marketing and/or communications strategy for assigned program or unit
  • Contribute to content for fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, and other internal or external communications
  • Strengthen University/Unit brand through content preparation and dissemination
  • Edit and proofread publications, including website, advertisements, articles, brochures, feature stories, etc. 
  • Assist in delivering presentations to internal and external clients 
  • Attend and represent University/Unit at special events
  • Assist in the planning of marketing and/or communications strategy by identifying communications needs based on relevant research
  • Ensure University brand guidelines and standards are met
  • Monitor news and media presence
  • Communicate with suppliers, vendors, and other University offices as necessary
  • Monitor marketing expenditures 
  • May provide specific support in the research and analysis of marketing strategy, or the implementation of public relations activities

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0103 I Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Employ a variety of marketing, communications, and public relations strategies that may include direct mail, advertising, web, email, social media, news media, special events, and other methods 
  • Research and translate complex subject matter to produce content for fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, digital signage, and other internal or external communications
  • Assist in the planning of marketing and/or communications strategy by identifying communications needs based on relevant research
  • Prepare creative briefs for concept development and creative expression; deliver presentations of creative work to clients
  • Benchmark marketing efforts and best practices and prepare reports to inform innovation and competitive analysis
  • Create, conceptualize, edit, and enhance communications and content, including website, advertisements, articles, brochures, feature stories, etc. 
  • Schedule and disseminate print and electronic communications and placement of advertising
  • Monitor news and media presence; monitor and track analytics of website and digital traffic 
  • Ensure University brand standards are met, along with industry editorial and style guidelines 
  • Plan and oversee the implementation of event promotions
  • Plan, budget, and monitor marketing expenditures
  • Collaborate with agencies and other vendor partners on campaigns
  • Monitor and communicate the status of tactical campaign implementation with clients and management 
  • May research, write, and/or edit speaker remarks for various University functions
  • May oversee and direct the work of part-time employees and students 

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0104 J Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

6+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Execute marketing strategy and campaigns; manage the production of marketing/communications in various media in accordance with unit’s approved strategic marketing plan
  • Create promotional communications that may include print, electronic, new media, social media, and other collateral of significant strategic value to implement the University’s overall marketing goals and objectives
  • Collaborate with various subject-matter experts and stakeholders to assess project needs, establish timelines for completion, and identify desired outcomes
  • Set goals and implement tracking to monitor campaigns for effectiveness and make recommendations based on data and trends; monitor consumer and industry trends
  • Strategize and oversee the development of new, data-driven campaigns based on strategic initiatives
  • Identify, create, and update standard operating procedures for the unit; make recommendations for changes to policies and procedures 
  • Develop budgets, estimate project and production costs, and monitor spending
  • Research and recommend new communications outlets when applicable; may negotiate with suppliers, agencies, and vendors
  • Lead presentation teams in presentations of creative work to clients and administrators
  • Oversee the dissemination of print and electronic communications and advertising placement
  • May participate in the design and/or editing of digital content, graphics, animation, photography, illustrations, and other multimedia visualization and imaging products
  • May design and develop content style and layout
  • Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, contractual obligations, confidentiality and privacy policies, and style and standard guidelines
  • May oversee and direct the work of other employees and students

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
MSSM0105 K Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years related experience

Bachelor's Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Serve as the subject matter expert within a large organization and oversee initiatives with University-wide impact
  • Oversee content development and design production of marketing/communications initiatives; provide significant input and direction to the establishment of overall strategic goals
  • Lead the planning of marketing materials; direct and oversee development and implementation of strategic marketing and communication campaigns 
  • Lead cross-functional teams to develop cohesive marketing and communications strategy across multiple areas of expertise, including marketing strategy, public relations, and multimedia
  • Lead creative team in determining conceptual outcomes for communication campaigns that achieve the stated strategic goals of the campaign
  • Administer existing University editorial policies and ensure editorial and visual compliance
  • Examine current practices and recommend opportunities for changes on both the strategic level and operational areas of market research, strategy, communication, and public relations
  • Establish and cultivate partnerships with suppliers, vendors, and other University offices as necessary
  • Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of marketing/communications initiatives 
  • Develop budgets, estimate project and production costs, and monitor spending
  • Oversee and direct the work of other employees and students working in marketing, communications, and design roles 
  • May manage team, to include hiring, training, and evaluating performance; provide strategic leadership and guidance through feedback, constructive criticism, individual meetings and review of work

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.